All patients at Henry County Hospital are guaranteed certain RIGHTS. Likewise, as a hospital patient you have certain RESPONSIBILITIES regarding your healthcare. A summary of these rights and responsibilities is listed below. If you are being admitted to the Almost Home Program, you will also receive a list of ?Nursing Home Rights.?

You and your family also have the right to receive assistance when you must make difficult decisions about your healthcare. The Ethical Consultation Team is available to assist you with these matters. Please inform your nurse if you would like to receive assistance from this group.

PATIENT RIGHTS
You have the right to:

• Access to care, regardless of race, religion, disability, creed, sex, ability to pay, etc.
• Treatment with respect and dignity
• Personal privacy and informational confidentiality, to the extent permitted by law
• Pain control and personal comfort
• Personal safety, including access to protective services
• Know the identity of your care givers and attending physicians
• Staff identification displayed in plain view
• To receive complete and current information regarding your diagnosis and treatment, and to make your healthcare decisions based on this information
• Visitors and outside communication
• Consultation with a specialist or another doctor, at your request - Information regarding members of the Hospital Medical Staff is available from your nurse
• Refuse treatment prescribed by your doctor
• Be informed of the consequences if you choose to refuse treatment
• Receive a complete explanation of why a transfer is necessary and the alternatives to the transfer
• Receive a detailed list of hospital charges
• Be informed of hospital rules and regulations
• State complaints and receive prompt response to complaints (See Resolving Patient Concerns)
• Assistance with the formulation of Advance Directives and respectful compliance with existing Advance Directives
• Be informed of any experimental research or educational activities associated with your hospital care
• Have a legally authorized person exercise these right to the extent permitted by law.

Patient Responsibilities
Your Responsibilities include:

• Providing accurate and complete information, to the best of your knowledge
• Informing a staff member, if you are not satisfied with your care or have a lack of information about your care
• Communicating your pain management needs to the staff
• Following the treatment plan established by your doctor, and informing him/her if you are unable to follow the plan
• The outcomes if you choose to refuse treatment
• Keeping appointments or notifying the appropriate staff when unable to do so
• Assuring that financial obligations for your healthcare are fulfilled
• Following the safety guidelines provided in this brochure
• Following hospital rules and regulations relating to patient care and conduct
• Being considerate of the rights of other patients and the hospital staff
• Being respectful of the property of other persons and the hospital
• Providing a copy of any advance directives you have completed